Chrysophyllum Albidum (Gambeya Albida): Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and Potential Interactions
Exploring the Versatile Applications and Health Benefits of Chrysophyllum Albidum
Fact Checked
Chrysophyllum albidum, or Gambeya albida, commonly known as the White Star Apple, is a nutrient-dense fruit native to tropical Africa.
It offers significant health benefits, including antioxidant properties, digestive aid, and blood sugar regulation.
Nutritionally, it is high in potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, and E. Culinary uses encompass fresh consumption and processing into jams.
However, excessive intake may result in digestive issues, and caution is advised for pregnant individuals due to potential interactions, particularly with blood thinners.
What is Chrysophyllum Albidum?
Chrysophyllum albidum, also known as the White Star Apple, Gambeya Albida, Udara and Agbalumo, is a tree found in tropical parts of Africa.
It belongs to the Sapotaceae family and can grow up to 30 meters tall. This tree likes to grow in rainforests that are not too high up, around 1,800 meters above sea level.
It is found in countries like Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone, where it grows in forests with lots of moisture in the air.
The tree is typically located in humid, tropical climates, making it well-suited for these regions. Additionally, the White Star Apple is known for its antioxidant benefits due to the nutritious fruit it produces.
The fruit of the White Star Apple is used for food in many African communities. It has different names like Agbalumo and Udara. The Igbo and Yoruba are two major ethnic groups in Nigeria. “Udara” is the Igbo word for the African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum), while the Yoruba call it “agbalumo.”
People also make different kinds of food from its fruit. The seeds are used in traditional medicine, and people get oil from them for health purposes.
DID YOU KNOW: The tree was first talked about by a scientist named G. Don, and then later, other scientists named Aubrév. and Pellegr. changed its name to Gambeya albida in 1961. This shows how the names of plants can change as we learn more about them.
Chrysophyllum Albidum Nutrition Profile
The African star apple, is packed with nutrients that are good for your health. In every 100 grams of its fresh pulp, you’ll find about 4 grams of protein, 5.5 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of fiber, and 9 grams of carbohydrates.
What’s really great is that it’s high in potassium (700 mg), and also has good amounts of calcium (400 mg) and phosphorus (215 mg), which help keep your bones strong.
Research has shown that unripe fruits have a higher nutritive value, making them even more beneficial for health. The fruit can be consumed fresh or processed for various culinary uses, enhancing its appeal in both local markets and homes.
The fruit changes as it ripens. When it’s not ripe yet, it has more protein and carbohydrates. When it’s very ripe, it has more fiber and what scientists call “ash content.”
It’s also full of vitamins like B1, B2, B3, B6, E, and a lot of vitamin C (93 mg), which makes it even healthier. Plus, it has things called antioxidants, like flavonoids and beta-carotene, which are good for your heart, help if you have diabetes, and can even help you lose weight because of the fiber and low calories.
Below is a detailed table presenting the nutritional information per 100 grams of the African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum), including the amount of each nutrient and the percentage of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) it covers. (Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8)
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | % RDI |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 107.2 – 122.6 kcal | ~6% |
| Moisture | 72.7 – 76.3 g | – |
| Protein | 4.0 – 4.1 g | ~7% |
| Fat | 5.5 – 5.6 g | ~8% |
| Carbohydrates | 9.5 – 10.8 g | ~3% |
| Crude Fiber | 4.3 – 4.5 g | ~16% |
| Ash | 1.87 g | – |
| Calcium | 365 – 425 mg | ~36% – ~42% |
| Potassium | 666 – 700 mg | ~14% – ~15% |
| Phosphorus | 211 – 228 mg | ~21% – ~23% |
| Sodium | 35.5 – 54.5 mg | ~2% |
| Iron | 2.25 – 2.29 mg | ~12% |
| Zinc | 8.24 mg | ~55% |
| Vitamin C | 73.6 – 99.63 mg | ~97% – ~110% |
| Beta-Carotene | 340 µg | ~6% |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 1.40 mg (varies) | ~10% |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.87 mg (varies) | ~10% |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1.50 mg (varies) | ~10% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.20 mg (varies) | ~10% |
| Vitamin E | Present (exact amount varies) | – |
Key Nutritional Highlights
- The African Star Apple is particularly rich in vitamin C, providing a significant percentage of the daily requirement.
- It offers a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.
- The fruit contains essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, contributing to bone health and electrolyte balance.
- It has low sodium content, making it beneficial for heart health.
Chrysophyllum Albidum Health Benefits
Research indicates that Chrysophyllum albidum, commonly known as African star apple, possesses a remarkable nutritional profile characterized by high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Empirical studies illustrate its beneficial effects on immune system support and digestive health, highlighting its potential as an effective adjunct in managing various health conditions.
- The herb’s bioactive properties position it as a valuable resource for enhancing overall well-being and addressing specific ailments.
- Additionally, its high vitamin C content may further bolster immune function, making it a powerful ally in maintaining health.
- Furthermore, the fruit’s rich antioxidant content contributes to its ability to combat oxidative stress, supporting overall health.
1. High in Antioxidants
Chrysophyllum albidum, is packed with antioxidants that are beneficial for health. Its antioxidant strength is especially high when the fruit is unripe, showing the ability to effectively scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals, which are indicators of antioxidant activity.
The unripe fruit’s Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) is the highest among its ripening stages, highlighting its power in fighting oxidative stress – a condition linked to various health issues.
The fruit’s phenolic content is crucial in preventing long-term diseases like heart issues and cancer. Alongside phenolics, the fruit contains flavonoids and vitamins E, C, and A, contributing to improved heart health and cancer prevention.
Furthermore, these antioxidants can manage diabetes by limiting the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. This makes Chrysophyllum albidum not just a fruit but a potential source for health supplements and traditional medicine, aiding in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Additionally, the various parts of the African star apple have been shown to possess medicinal properties that further enhance its health benefits.
Notably, research shows that the fruit’s extracts can inhibit diabetes-related enzymes, reinforcing its role in diabetes management.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Inflammation is a complex way our body responds to things that harm it, like injuries or infections, and can have a big impact on our health. The fruit from the Chrysophyllum albidum tree has been found to be really good at helping with this.
Related: 30 Foods That Fight Inflammation According To Experts
Studies show that this fruit can calm down inflammation by stopping certain things in the body that cause it, like some enzymes. There are special parts in the skin of the fruit, such as eleagnine, myricetin rhamnoside, quercetin, and linoleic acid, that help make this happen.
Research has shown that using Chrysophyllum albidum can help with health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes, where inflammation makes things worse.
The fruit has a lot of natural chemicals that help protect the body from damage, and also has things that can stop bad cholesterol from getting into the blood.
Additionally, studies have indicated that serum pro-inflammatory markers are significantly reduced when dietary supplements of Chrysophyllum albidum are included in the diet.
Moreover, the fruit peels have been shown to contain anti-inflammatory compounds that further support its therapeutic potential.
Plus, it has stuff that helps keep your digestive system healthy, which can also lower inflammation.
Tests on rodents have shown that these anti-inflammatory properties really work, helping to lower signs of inflammation and make the animals healthier.
Of course, we need more research on humans to be sure it works the same way for us as it does for rodents, but Chrysophyllum albidum looks to be a good natural way to help fight diseases that come from too much inflammation in the body.
3. Provides Immune System Support
As mentioned earlier, Chrysophyllum albidum, is packed with antioxidants, thus, making it great for boosting your immune system. The fruit is full of these antioxidants, like flavonoids and vitamins E, C, and A.
These are really important for cutting down on something called oxidative stress, which is basically when your body gets damaged by things called free radicals.
Related: 21 Best Foods That Boost The Immune System
When you eat African star apple, it helps clean out these bad things and protect important parts of your body, making your immune system stronger.
Eating this fruit can also make your heart healthier, which is connected to how well your immune system works. The antioxidants in it help by reducing swelling and other signs of inflammation in your body, making everything work better.
Plus, it’s been shown to be good for your brain by improving its antioxidant status, helping you think better and protecting your brain from getting damaged.
The fruit also has a lot of fiber, which is good for your gut. A healthy gut is important for your immune system to work its best.
4. Digestive Health Benefits
The African star apple, is great for your digestive system because it’s packed with fiber and natural chemicals that are good for you.
This fruit is full of fiber, which helps your food move smoothly through your digestive system and can help with problems like feeling too full or constipated.
Related: 30 Best Foods For Constipation And Tips To Avoid It In The First Place
It also has something called pectin, which helps keep your bowel movements regular and can stop diarrhea, making your gut healthier.
On top of the fiber, the African star apple can help get rid of “bad” bacteria in your gut, making it a better place for “good” bacteria to live.
It also has a lot of water, which keeps your body hydrated and helps all the parts of your digestive system work well.
Related: 10 Foods With More Fiber Than Broccoli
5. Skin Health Improvements
The African star apple is not just good for your gut; it’s also great for your skin.
As I already mention, this fruit is packed with antioxidants that fight against skin aging caused by damage from the environment. It has anti-inflammatory substances like alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols that can calm down skin conditions, helping your skin look better.
Related: 8 Best Supplements for Skin Health
One of the best things about the African star apple is its high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is really important for making collagen, which helps keep your skin elastic and looking lively. This vitamin is key for keeping your skin healthy and rejuvenated.
Plus, the fruit is full of moisture, which is crucial for keeping your skin hydrated and preventing it from getting too dry.
Finally, studies have shown that the special compounds like catechin and quercetin that African star apple has, are really good at protecting your skin from stress.
6. Blood Sugar Regulation
Blood sugar control is a crucial part of handling diabetes, and new research suggests that the African star apple might help with this.
Eating the pulp powder from Chrysophyllum Albidum has been shown to significantly lower blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. The fruit’s high fiber also helps in reducing blood sugar, making it good for managing diabetes.
Related: Blood Sugar Breakthrough Review
The fruit contains natural chemicals like beta-amyrin acetate and epicatechin that help lower blood sugar. These chemicals boost the body’s antioxidant defenses and reduce inflammation, helping to protect against diabetes-related damage and improve the body’s use of insulin.
Furthermore, studies have indicated that the fruit’s powder can lead to the up-regulation of antioxidant genes which plays a role in enhancing its beneficial effects.
Related: Blood Pressure Calculator
The fruit’s pulp powder also slows down the breakdown and absorption of sugars from food. Lab tests support these findings, showing that the African star apple has strong antioxidant effects and can slow down sugar-processing enzymes.
7. Cardiovascular Health Support
Research suggests that the African star apple is beneficial for heart health and can help manage blood sugar levels. This fruit contains saponins, which bind to and block LDL (bad cholesterol) from entering your bloodstream, thereby reducing bad cholesterol levels and aiding in heart disease prevention.
Related: 10 Foods That Unclog Arteries Naturally And Prevent Heart Attack
The African star apple is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamins C, E, and A. [9]
These antioxidants help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation, both of which are significant contributors to heart issues. [10]
The high vitamin C content also supports the immune system and overall heart health.
Additionally, the fruit is high in potassium and low in sodium, which can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, making it a good option for those with hypertension.
Moreover, the African star apple contains cardiac glycosides, which naturally help control blood pressure by aiding the elimination of excess sodium and water from the body. [11]
With its properties to manage blood fats, protect against oxidation, and reduce inflammation, the African star apple might be a valuable natural aid for heart health. However, more research is necessary to fully substantiate these health claims.
8. Potential Cancer Prevention
The African star apple might help prevent cancer because it has many healthy compounds and antioxidants. The fruit is full of fiber and antioxidants like pectin, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, which are linked to lower chances of getting some cancers, such as colon cancer. These healthy parts of the fruit work to stop damage to cells, as shown in scientific tests.
The fruit also fights inflammation, which is important because too much inflammation over a long time can lead to cancer. Interestingly, the fruit has more of these healthy compounds when it is not ripe. Additionally, unripe fruits exhibit higher nutrient content, contributing to their potential health benefits.
The fruit also contains flavonoids and saponins, which help stop cancer cells from growing and lower cholesterol, making it harder for cancer to start. [12]
More research is needed to figure out the best amounts and ways to use the African star apple to prevent cancer, especially at different stages of ripeness, so it can be used in the best way to keep people healthy.
Related: What are the top 15 most powerful cancer fighting foods
Other Uses
Chrysophyllum albidum, commonly known as the African star apple, offers various benefits beyond its nutritional value. These can be categorized into cooking, medicinal, cultural, and agricultural uses.
- Cooking Uses: The ripe fruit is eaten fresh or processed into jams, jellies, and beverages. High pectin content makes it ideal for juices and marmalades, enhancing both flavor and texture [13].
- Medicinal Applications: The fruit exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in the prevention of chronic diseases and cognitive improvement. Leaves and bark treat ailments like malaria and hypertension, while seeds possess antibacterial properties. High fiber content aids digestion and blood sugar regulation, beneficial for diabetics [14] [15] [13] [16].
- Cultural Significance: In Yoruba and Igbo cultures, the fruit symbolizes happiness and is used in traditional medicine. Its consumption during significant events promotes social cohesion and health [14].
- Agricultural Benefits: The tree supports sustainable farming by growing up to 40 meters, aiding biodiversity, and providing wood for construction and fuel. It is crucial in agroforestry systems that integrate trees with crops [15] [16].
African Star Apple Side Effects
Chrysophyllum albidum, a fruit with many health benefits, can cause some side effects. Some people might have allergic reactions to a latex-like substance in the fruit’s skin and seeds. These reactions are rare but can be serious, especially if a lot is eaten. It’s best to avoid touching the skin and seeds to reduce the risk.
Eating too much of this fruit can also cause digestive problems like bloating and diarrhea. The fruit has a lot of fiber, which can upset the stomach.
These side effects are usually mild and don’t last long. Eating the fruit in moderation can help avoid discomfort while still helping with bowel movements. Additionally, the fruit’s high nutritional value contributes to its popularity, making it a staple in some diets.
It’s not clear how Chrysophyllum albidum affects pregnancy and fertility. Some animal studies show it might cause fertility issues in males.
Pregnant women and people worried about reproductive health should be careful. It’s a good idea to talk to a doctor before eating this fruit during pregnancy.
Can African star apple interact with other medications or supplements?
It’s important to know how Chrysophyllum albidum might interact with other medicines and supplements to ensure safety and maximize health benefits. The compounds in the fruit might affect various medications:
- Blood Thinners: Saponins in the fruit might enhance the effectiveness of blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Diabetes Medicines: The high fiber and antioxidants could alter how well diabetes medicines control blood sugar levels.
- Blood Pressure Medicines: Potassium in Chrysophyllum albidum might interfere with these medicines, potentially causing mineral imbalances.
People taking laxatives or stool softeners should be cautious, as the fruit’s high pectin and fiber could worsen stomach problems. Additionally, its high calcium content might reduce the effectiveness of antacids and acid reducers.
There could also be issues with dietary supplements:
- Vitamin C: The fruit’s high vitamin C content could be excessive if combined with vitamin C supplements.
- Fiber Supplements: Taking these alongside the fruit could cause stomach trouble due to excessive fiber.
- Potassium or Calcium: Too much from the fruit and supplements could lead to health problems.
For those using herbal remedies:
- Herbal Blood Thinners: Saponins might increase the risk of bleeding.
- Herbal Diuretics: High potassium levels could complicate their use.
Always check with a professional to minimize the risks from these interactions.
How can Chrysophyllum albidum be consumed?
The African star apple, also called Chrysophyllum albidum, can be enjoyed in many ways. You can eat it fresh as a snack or dessert.
- It’s also a popular choice for making juices and soft drinks.
- The pulp is often used to create jams, jellies, and syrups, which preserve its flavor and health benefits.
- In cooking, the pulp works well in sauces or as a natural flavor booster for drinks.
- Beyond its use in food, parts of the plant, like the seeds, bark, and leaves, are often used in traditional medicine.
There’s no specific rule for how much of the fruit you should eat – moderation is key to avoid stomach discomfort from consuming too much fiber.
For people with diabetes, eating the fruit pulp might help manage blood sugar levels, though more studies are needed to confirm this. The fruit may also support digestion and heart health, but there’s no set amount recommended.
Pregnant women should consult a doctor before including it in their diet. To prepare the fruit, wash it thoroughly, peel off the skin, and slice it. You can store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Where can you buy Chrysophyllum albidum?
The African star apple, or Chrysophyllum albidum, is a fruit that is mostly found in tropical African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin.
You can easily find it in local markets or from street vendors in these regions. If you don’t live in these areas, you can still buy it online.
Amazon and eBay offer seeds and extracts of this fruit. Etsy is another online shop where you can find products made from this plant.
Be careful when ordering online, especially if you want it shipped internationally, because there are rules about importing plants.
Always buy from trusted sellers to make sure you’re getting the real thing.
Final Take
The African star apple, also known as Chrysophyllum albidum, is a fruit with many health benefits and uses in cooking. It is full of antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamins E, C, and A, which are good for heart health. These help lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
The fruit is also high in fiber and pectin, which help with controlling blood sugar and improving digestion, making it good for people with diabetes and those who want to avoid diarrhea.
The African star apple can be eaten raw or used in making jams and drinks, where its sweet-sour taste can be enjoyed. Even the unripe fruits are beneficial, as they contain more nutritional and bioactive compounds that could be used in medicines and supplements for heart health and diabetes.
However, it’s important not to eat too much of it as it can cause stomach upset, and some people might be allergic to it. Also, if you are taking medicine for diabetes or heart disease, you should talk to a doctor before adding this fruit to your diet.
There is still much to learn about how its nutrients affect the body and how much is safe to eat.
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